Mini review video: Our verdict on the HTC Vive in a minute

Without a doubt, the HTC Vive is the most immersive VR headset you can buy right now, but that doesn’t mean we recommend it wholesale. Though the included motion controllers and whole-room option add a new dimension to the experience, we ultimately found that the Vive was both harder to set up and less comfortable to wear than its chief rival, the Oculus Rift. It’s also more expensive than the Rift, which “only” costs $600, though once Oculus’ touch controllers become available, the price gap should narrow somewhat. All told, it was difficult for us to choose a favorite, and indeed, the two headsets earned similar scores (82 for the Vive and 84 for the Rift). If you’re thinking of buying one yourself, your purchasing decision will ultimately come down to what you value more: immersion or ergonomics.